Job Information Pack s1

Job Information Pack

This pack contains the following information:

 Job details  The application process  Information about Citizens Advice Edinburgh  Job Description  Person Specification

Job details

Job title: In-Court Adviser Reporting to: Projects Manager Location: Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Chambers Street, Edinburgh Employer: Citizens Advice Edinburgh, 58 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QZ Salary: £27,151 per annum Benefits: 25 days annual leave and 10 public holidays and a 7% non- contributory pension Hours: 35 hours per week

The application process

Application deadline: Wednesday 11th May 2016 at 12 noon Interview date: Monday 16th May Interview location: 12 Bernard Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6PY Interview format: 50 minute interview

Please email completed application forms to [email protected], alternatively by post marked ‘Private and Confidential’ to:

Colin Gray HR Manager 12 Bernard Street Edinburgh EH6 6PY About Citizens Advice Edinburgh

The Citizens Advice Service was first established in Edinburgh in 1939. Over the years it has grown to deliver services from 5 main Bureaux (Dundas Street, Gorgie/Dalry, Leith, Pilton and Portobello) and 25 project/outreach locations across the capital.

In 2007 the separate Bureaux merged to form Citizens Advice Edinburgh (CAE).

Through a small team of core and project staff and over 270 highly trained and committed volunteers, CAE provides a free, confidential, independent and impartial service to the citizens of Edinburgh on a wide range of issues including:

 Debt and money  Welfare Rights  Consumer issues  Immigration  Employment and workforce problems  Housing  Relationship and family issues  Discrimination  Health services  Legal rights & responsibilities

The charity is a trusted and well respected organisation. It enjoys high levels of client satisfaction and the excellence of its training programme is widely recognised. Its volunteer workforce and paid staff are fully committed and strive, with limited resources, to provide the advice sought by thousands of clients each year.

For a full overview of all our services and current work, please visit our website at: www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk Job description

Summary of Role The In-Court Adviser provides immediate advice and representation as required to unrepresented litigants attending Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The successful candidate should have a proven track record of delivering an advisory service, an ability to research legal matters and knowledge of evolving legislation.

1. Advice work, casework and support

 Deliver advice and representation to clients attending the In-Court Advice service  Ensure accurate information and advice is given  Ensure that accurate, legible and comprehensive case records are kept  Assist in any audit processes that may be carried out in the office  Ensure that accurate statistics are available for reports as required

2. Research legal matters

 Provide information on the Civil Justice System in Scotland  Provide casework support for small claims, summary cause and debt related cases.  Keep up to date with changes to the welfare and benefits system  Support the project with information on changing legislation and case- law

3 Liaison with external agencies

 Refer clients to other voluntary or statutory external agencies as required.  Liaise with external agencies and other partners to provide appropriate assistance to clients following their immediate advice and representation.  Develop and promote links with external agencies to publicise the service and encourage referrals.

4. Other duties

 Take responsibility for completing reports on work and activities as required for funders, auditors or publications  Implement organisational Equality Policies  Any other reasonable tasks as requested by the senior management team Person Specification

Essential criteria

 Knowledge of advice-giving and experience of client advocacy

 Knowledge of the Civil Justice System in Scotland

 Skilled at researching legal matters

 Good interpersonal skills and case recording ability

 Ability to establish good relationships with other agencies

 Ability to work under pressure with limited resources

 Excellent communication and IT skills

Desirable Criteria

 A legal qualification (LLB or equivalent) in Scots Law

 Experience and understanding of the voluntary sector

 Experience in working effectively in an outreach setting

 Demonstrable commitment to the aims and principles of Citizens Advice